Steve & Jean Answer Member Questions

This is a video Steve and Jean Hanson recorded while broadcasting live from Ustream.

Click on the play button to watch the video. If you have problems with the video (see next paragraph), you can read a recap of the video below.

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First, there are a many variables to consider. Your price will depend on soil loads and floor finish build-up; whether it's a new floor or old floor; what objects you have to move or work around; type of facility (retail, office, etc); and whether the areas to be stripped and waxed are in one area or if they're broken up into different rooms or floors.

It also helps to talk to the customer. Are they looking for price? Are they more concerned about a high level of appearance? Is this a one-time service? If it's a one-time service you'd charge more versus someone who is looking for ongoing maintenance for the floor like buffing, burnishing, scrub/recoat and daily mopping. Do they have in-house employees who will be doing daily maintenance or will they be relying on your service only?

45,000 sq ft of flooring will probably get a price break. Most services will give a price break after 10,000 sq ft of floor. This is going to depend on the variables mentioned above. It will also depend on the equipment you'll be using. If you've got a large auto-scrubber or riding scrubber you'll be able to get the job done a lot faster than if you were trying to do it all with a 175 rpm slow speed machine.

No, most companies use a local janitorial supplies distributor. Local distributors will carry at least 3 to 5 major vendors/manufacturers so you have a choice. Everyone has their own preferences so try out the different vendors to see what works for you. Ask the supplier lots of questions and see if you can get samples.

You have two hands so use them! Have a microfiber cloth in one hand and a long duster that has a microfiber sleeve over it in the other hand. Another option is to have a dry microfiber cloth in one hand and a damp one in the other. The damp cloth will get rid of coffee rings and fingerprints. You also need to be constantly moving.

You should have a system for dusting. Usually you'll go clockwise or counter-clockwise around the room. You may also zig-zag back and forth between cubicles. If it's a new account you may need to clean it 2 or 3 times to find the best pattern for working your way around the building.

If you're the owner and you need to turn the cleaning over to your employees you may want to decide on the path first and then train your employees on what path to use - don't let them decide that for themselves because they don't always make the right choices.

Most people use the aerosol cans that freeze gum so it's easier to remove. But that's not necessarily a good way to do it because freezing the gum and carpet fiber can damage the carpet fiber.

You should use chemicals to remove gum. First use a bone tool to remove as much of the gum as possible. Next you could apply a citrus cleaner/gel to the gum, and use your bone tool to agitate it into the gum. Give it dwell time. Then come back to release more of the gum with your bone tool. Next, use your 2 gallon extractor and do some dry passes to remove more gum.

The chemical you used is a non-volatile dry solvent (NVDS), so you need to rinse it with a dry solvent. If you don't rinse it, the NVDS will attract soil to the area.

Note: if you use a citrus product for any type of cleaning, you'll most likely need to rinse it because citrus products leave a residue behind. You may rinse with a volatile dry solvent (VDS), which evaporates on its own. Or you may use water to rinse.

5. Is it ok to ask a potential client how much they're paying their current cleaning service?

Yes, but we usually ask what their budget is for the cleaning or project. It's really all about being prepared and having good questions because you're trying to get as much information as you can from the prospect. Some people will give you the budget or what they're currently paying, but others won't.

Having this information lets you know if you're in the ballpark of what they may be looking for. If you feel you can't match that price, then you may have to come in higher. But keep in mind that doesn't mean you won't get the job, because if you've done your job during the meeting, they know the value they'll be receiving from your cleaning service.